Bring the Best of Athens Home for the Holidays!

There's something special about giving gifts with an added personal touch. If you're looking for gifts for a  "lover of all things Athens" in your life, look no further! We've gathered an variety of suggestions that will fill your friends and family with holiday cheer!

For the Trendy Foodie... 

 Pickling and canning are some of the newest food trends in America. What was old is new again and Phickle's Pickles are the perfect way to get in on the trend. They sell Pickled okra, green tomatoes, jalapenos,cucumbers and more with names like "Stix", "Snaps", and "Hotties". Pick up your Phickles at their retail locations! Watch out... you WILL get addicted! 

For the Beer Lover... 

Terrapin Brewery's Gift Shop has you covered with their collection of souvenirs like t-shirts and special drink ware.  Pair it with a six pack of Hopsecutioner for good measure! Visit the Brewery on Newton Bridge Road, just north of Athens or their online gift shop. 

For the Adventure Seeker...

Masada Leather and Outdoor is famous for their high-quality leather goods made at their Clayton Street shop. With their handmade sandals, fine leather bags and belts, you'll be giving a gift that can last a lifetime. Check out their selection online but a visit to the store is well worth the trip! 

For the Caffeine Addict...

 

Jittery Joe's, of course! You'll find a range of gifts at any of their locations in Athens, Savannah, Macon and Watkinsville! We recommend stopping by the Tasting Room at the Roasting Center on East Broad Street. You can learn about the process from bean to cup! 

For the Master Griller...

Fire & Flavor Their Gift page is PACKED with collections including "The Ultimate Grilling Gift Set", "Gourmet Made Simple Gift Set" and the "Fire & Flavor Rubs Gift Set". You'll find grilling planks, special seasonings, cookbooks and more on their online store and in major retailers all over town! 

For the Home Decor Connoisseur...

Bee Natural is an Athens based company that uses beeswax to create stunning Honeypots and other one-0f-a-kind gifts! You can customize the Botanical Honeypots with over a dozen different design options. Explore their website for more products like ornaments and stationary! 

For the Vegetarian...

... or carnivore who loves The Grit! Their cookbook, available in the restaurant or online, features over 130 recipes and tons of fun facts and quotes. Head over for brunch, lunch or dinner and get the cookbook on your way out the door! 

Need more ideas for local Athens gift-giving?  Check out our Local Products page at http://www.visitathensga.com/shopping/holiday-shopping/

Gourmet Magazine Features Athens as a Top 10 Music & Food City

Native Athenians are already familiar with the Classic City's fabulous culinary fare and live music scene, but now, readers of Gourmet Magazine across the country are becoming acquainted with the dining and music of Athens, Georgia, which made the list of the top ten cities in the United States for music and food in the magazine's article, "The Next Big Scene."

Several famous Athens entertainment locales are highlighted, including the 40 Watt Club and the Caledonia Lounge, as well as some of the city's favorite restaurants like 5&10 and The Grit.

Read about it here, and then go check out the venues for yourself to see why Athens, Georgia is one of the best music and food spots in the nation!

--Elizabeth Bertrand

Exploring Athens' Classic City Cuisine: The Grit

Summer time is all about the grill. Growing up near Athens, Georgia, I have many wonderful memories of eating with my family out on our back deck, laughing and enjoying one another's company while watching the evening sun lazily drift away. And thanks to my "grill master" of a father, the food on our plates was always hot off the charcoals. My young, carnivorous appetite kept me drooling over it all: the steaks, the pork chops, the barbecued chicken, the burgers. Ah, the burgers. Especially the burgers.

When the weather starts to heat up, the days get a little longer, and the best way to feel refreshed is a jump in the pool, I begin to yearn a little for those warm, summer nights spent with my family. So with a little help from this month's issue of Southern Living Magazine, which (of course) featured Athens in an article about the best restaurant burgers in the state of Georgia, I ventured out to The Grit for the B.O.D. (Burger of the Day) to cure my nostalgic blues. 

As many of you know, The Grit in Athens, Georgia prides itself on serving fresh, delicious vegetarian food that appeals to all different types of eaters. Now, I will be the first to admit that if I'm gonna eat a burger, it's likely going to be made of beef. It's just in my blood; we Bertrands love bovines, both when grazing quietly in a pasture, and when served medium-well on a plate. So when I eat a vegetarian burger  I feel worthy of sharing with all of the blogging world, know that that it must be darn good. The Grit is definitely doing something right with its White Bean Burger.

I ordered mine complete with all the essential toppings, including a special request of white cheddar cheese. The white bean patty itself was incredibly juicy. Chefs at The Grit managed to maintain the texture of a traditional all-beef burger, a feat that is definitely not often accomplished in the vegetarian burger world. Topped with melting cheese and crispy lettuce and tomato on a freshly toasted sesame-seed bun, this burger gave me all the nostalgic satisfaction I was searching for, without all the fat, calories, and cholesterol of the ground beef from my younger years.

Speaking of healthier alternatives, I opted to swap out french fries for a side of Spicy Sweet Potato and Chick Pea Soup. Now I know that the summer heat in Athens can be borderline brutal. I understand that the last thing you even want to think about putting in your mouth is a steaming spoonful of soup. However, I urge you to turn down your thermostats, chug ice water, stick your head in the freezer. Do whatever it is you need to do to cool your body down so that it starts to long for a little warmth, because this soup was the perfect side-dish. The chick peas were hearty and filling, and the zest from the broth wonderfully complimented the sweetness of the potatoes. This soup was truly good for the soul.

Hot, summer days should be spent with family and friends, soaking up rays, cooling down in the water, and eating fresh, tasty food. The next time you experience the desire to indulge in a grilled summertime meal, load up the family and head to The Grit, at 199 Prince Avenue in Athens GA. Their B.O.D. is sure to satisfy that inherent need for a succulent, delicious burger.

Tell us . . . What's YOUR favorite burger in Athens?

--Elizabeth Bertrand

The Grit: An Amazing Vegetarian Restaurant

I know when most people hear the phrase “vegetarian restaurant” fears of eating rabbit food arise. Not only is this a false statement, but there is at least one vegetarian restaurant that is sure to satisfy the biggest appetite. The Grit on Prince Avenue has been an Athens staple for more than 20 years, serving a huge array of homemade dishes for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. As a senior, I knew I had to try it out before I graduated so I grabbed my friend Julie and we embarked on this adventure. We were amazed that the lunch and dinner menu had so many choices that it was hard for us to choose! If you’re ready to delve into a serious vegetarian meal, try the Falafel Platter or the Teriyaki Tofu Wrap. If you’d rather stick to something you’re more accustomed to, get the Buffalo Chick’n Sandwich, Big Daddy Burger, or Loaded Nachos. (In case you haven’t noticed, The Grit has food from all over the world!) I tried the Grilled Cheese Smelt and the Stir Fry and they were both deliciously filling (and very reasonably priced as well!) There’s more space inside than I expected and the restaurant has a good, eclectic vibe fitting of Athens, GA. It’s easy to see why this seemingly niche restaurant has thrived for so long; they serve delectable food in a fun environment for great prices! Don’t be scared to try The Grit next time you go out!

199 Prince Ave.

Athens, GA

706-543-6592

Monday – Friday: 11 am – 10 pm

Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm (brunch)

5 pm – 10 pm (dinner)

Check out a bigger list of Athens, Georgia restaurants here.